Pieces

Books and Tools

So many new tools come across my radar screen that I barely notice them - there are just so many.  Recently a few people told me about these clips called "wonder clips". 

At first, I wasn't very interested.  I thought they sounded like just another new new thing.  But, I gave them a try on a binding.  And...I'm impressed.  They hold everything in the right place and there are no pin pricks.

They are curved on top and flat on the bottom for easy feeding by the presser foot and they won't leave holes in laminates and vinyls as pins do.  I will have to have some in my sewing box at home.

New Books

We have several new books in that are getting my attention.  First up is Denyse Schmidt's newest...

She has a reputation for being able to reinterpret tradition to make fresh funcitonal quilts that give a nod to times gone by while embracing today.  In this book she realizes a dream to create more faithful, formally traditional renditions of her favorite designs. 

This book is not just a collection of pretty pictures.  There are good instructions and lots of technical guidance.

Next on the tour of new books is Quilting Modern byJacquie Gering and Katie Pedersen.  Unlike the book above that builds on tradition, the authors of this book wanted to share their enthusiasm for improvisational quilting - which to them means creating in the moment and reacting to ideas. 

This is also not just a pretty picture book.  There is a comprehensive chapter about tools, preparing fabric, seam allowances and just about eveything else that you need to know to get going.  Their illustrations are clear and the quilts are lovely.

If  you are a fan of Tula Pink's fabrics and patterns you are bound to like her book

She has a style all her own.  In addition to a chapter on the tools and techniques of quilting she includes a peek into the fabric design process which is really interesting.  And then, of course, there are instructions for the unique collection of quilts presented in this book - and (my favorite) real photos to illustrate.

Last but not least, is a fun little book about bed runners.  I was only vaguely familiar with the idea of bed runners before this book but I have to say, it is a good one.  A bed runner quilt is a narrow quilt that drapes over the end of the bed adding a focal point.  Not only are they more manageable to make, you could change them out with the season or your mood. 

Hmmm - a warm evening on the deck with a new book..... bliss.

 

Stress Break

I don't know about you but I hear a lot of people talking about being stressed by too much to do right now, what with the holidays just around the corner.  I confess being a bit overwhelmed myself but then this (Half Moon Modern by Moda)arrived today...

...and it made be stop, take a break and ponder the possibilites and the distraction made me forget about the "to do" list for a minute.  Yesterday, we took a break from the regular duties around here and started a new shop project that involves this...

...and one of these new patterns.

It's going to be good....  These patterns are by Caroly Friedlander and I want to make them all.  She was one of the new pattern makers at the market and I hope she keeps up the good work.  Other new pattern makers are the Weeks Ringle and Bill Kerr duo.  You may already be familiar with their books.  In addition to another new book due out any day they are venturing into patterns...

...and a "magazine", although it works a little differently than a magazine.  The back issues will be available indefinitely instead of off the shelves when the new issue comes out.   In addition to 3 new patterns each issue will feature The Cutting Table, where the authors will present their thoughts on basic design and mixing fabric lines, and Palette Chasing, where you will be guided to find color inspiration.  The first issue is here...

There are a couple of other new lines to the shop - Echo by Lotta Jansdotter...

and "Spring Rain" from Clothworks.

Last weekend, instead of baking holiday cookies I entertained myself by making a bag from a pattern I've been wanting to try out for a long time.  The pattern, Sausilito, uses 6 fat quarters and goes together easily.  I used some Amy Butler and Alexander Henry to make this...

Did I ever show you the completed quilt from Tina Givens line?  This ought to speak to the "boho chic" amongst us.

On a side note, I learned a lesson the other day.  I've been very bah humbug about the holidays (I think because neither of the boys can come home this year) and almost didn't go to the annual holiday get together of all the ladies I see at the gym everyday.  I went and boy am I glad I did.  These ladies who I exercise with at 6:00 am all have the kinds of jobs you have to wear skirts or slacks and grown up shoes to, you know - managers, nurses, administrators, doctors, caseworkers, teachers, etc. What do you think such a bunch of early rising hard working ladies do when they get together in the evening - discuss politics? social problems and solutions?  Oh #%*@ no!  They eat and drink and steal each other's gifts and.... cuss.  We sounded like...  well, I don't know what we sounded like but it wasn't pretty -  and I haven't laughed that much in a long time.  I am so glad I didn't stay home and wallow.

 

Done

Ta Da!  I finished the quilt I was making for my son and his partner.  I wanted to make something with an urban feel to go with the clean modern style of their living room.  I thought they might like a "blankie" for the couch and it turned out just as I had hoped.  The pattern is from Cherri House's book City Quilts which we have and the quilt will be at the shop for a while too.  They have no idea I was doing this... I wonder what they will think. 

 

Fifi and Fido

New to fabric design is Anna Griffin who has been creating exquisite designs for stationary, invitations and such for a long time.  One of her first collections is Fifi and Fido and I have to admit I am smitten.  I am attracted to many fabrics (and I do mean many) but for reasons I don't fully understand I am just taken by this collection.  It is not anything like what I would normally be drawn to but there is something about it...

 

What is it that makes me want to make something right now with this?

From this Happy Mess... 

to these cheery blocks!

This week we had a class on making modern log cabin blocks.  It was just how I like classes to be - lots of fabric bits everywhere, some chaos and interesting one-of-a-kind blocks on the wall at the end.  Yeah!

Elizabeth Hartman book

Woohoo! The Practical Guide to Patchwork by Elizabeth Hartman arrived.  In  case you didn't know already, she has a fabulous blog Oh Fransson! and her book has been much anticipated.  She teaches the basics using a fresh apprroach  with bright designs and helpful tips.  It is divided into sections for the beginner, the confident beginner, and the intermediate quilter.  Come see for yourself what lies between the front and back cover...

Random Interests

Fall is my favorite season and these past few days of crisp mornings and sunny afternoons are my idea of weather heaven.  I love my view from the shop window...

I love the colors of the drive home from work...

And I love the leaves... on the ground...

... and on the trees!

 
Three new books arrived at the shop in the last week that I think are worthy of a look. 

The first is the newest book by Kaffe Fassett, Quilts en Provence, which is a study of geometry and color set in the south of France.  Typical in Kaffe books are jaw dropping photos of quilts "on location" and this one includes some stunning shots...

And my personal favorite quilt in this book is...

For all you bag people, the anticipated Bag Making Bible by Lisa Lam arrived.  Lisa is the founder and owner of U-Handbag which is a dedicated on line store and blog for bag makers.  She has a reputation for the quality of her construction.  This book covers the steps from start to finish in bag making. If you like to make bags you might want to take a look at this book as your go-to reference for construction tips.

Another comprehensive new reference book is The Sewing Bible by Ruth Singer, which is a modern manual of practical and decorative sewing techniques.  It is organized into sections that describe practical and decorative techniques with projects using the various techniques. There is an impressive amount of information in this one book as well as photographs to illustrate and demonstrate sewing techniques from soup to nuts.  This would make a great gift for a new sewer - or for anyone fabric-inclined.

The fun doesn't stop there.  New today is a french inspired cotton/linen fabric that would make interesting quilt block centers, pillows, placemats and well - whatever you can imagine.  There is also a deep brown linen/cotton solid that looks yummy with this print.

Ooh-la-la

A  customer came in today with the quilt below that she made for her 15 year old grandson.  Didn't she do a great job with this City Park pattern from Cherry House quilts?  Sometimes it is hard to figure out what a boy that age would like - I think she nailed it. Check out the guitar back fabric...

Remember last week I posted about the new City Weekend fabrics from Moda and patterns from Oliver & S?  I couldn't help myself...

Bags and Books

I am surprised at the number of new patterns that are published each month. There are so many that it is hard to focus on them - it is kind of a blur, they all start looking the same.  Recently I wanted to try out some new bag patterns so ordered a few to take a look at.  These three intrigued me enough to  start sewing - and I came up with these...

Nested by Valori Wells 

Verona by Pat Bravo of Art Gallery Fabrics

 

Boutique Bag by Bella Nonna Patterns

I am continually fascinated by bag patterns and am always on the lookout for interesting bags. Got any favorites???

Several new books have come in the shop in the last couple of weeks.  I was eagerly waiting for the 2nd book from the authors of Material Obsession and finally it came.  I snagged a copy and took it home with me for a little bedtime reading.  Wow!  In case you aren't familiar with these two ladies,Kathy Doughty and Sarah Fielke, they like to meld fresh modern fabrics with traditional quilt designs.  They include 20 new quilts done in their trademark style in this book and rate each pattern according to the degree of difficulty.  If you have one foot on the modern side of the fence and the other on the traditional side, check this out.

 

And for those bag ladies amongst us, Amy Butler has a new book of bags.  There are 26 bag designs organized from easiest at the beginning of the book to the most complex at the end.  She presents a foundation pattern with multiple options for customizing.  I will be trying out a couple of these for sure.

And if sewing clothes are your thing you might want to take a look at Sew Serendipity by Kay Whitt.  In addition to writing books, Ms. Whitt designs patterns for one of the big-book pattern companies so she brings some experience to her new patterns.  She outlines steps to custom fitting clothes as well as photograph tutorials on zippers, facings, gathers and more.

So much fun sewing, so little time...

I don't know about you, but I was thrilled with the first serious rain we had this weekend.  I absolutely LOVE the sound of serious rain.  I am a native Willamette Valley-ian and I find it soothing and comforting.  I may feel differently in May, but for now - it is bliss.

 

It's Hot!

We asked for it with all our whining about how wet and dreary the spring to summer transition was.  Whew - it is hot!  I'm glad we don't have the humidity that comes with the heat on the east coast.  This is much better, although I sure didn't feel like cooking this evening.  Nothing sounds good when it is hot except things that I know better than to make a dinner of (think Sangria or ice-cream).  Turns out that an omelet with leftover bbq salmon and a mixed berry salad hit the spot.

Local Craft

Have you heard of "Meet Your Maker"?  Meet Your Maker is a craft show with an emphasis on supporting local independent artists and crafters. The spirit of our show is in keeping with the handmade movement and creating a new experience for sustainable, unique and diverse shopping in Eugene, Oregon.  Piece by Piece has been a sponsor of MYM for some time and recently they featured each sponsor on their blog.  There are some very fine crafts coming from this group. 

New, New, New

Do you know someone that has a "thing" for birds.  I have a friend who is crazy for them - I know what she is getting for her birthday...

This book has 26 different projects of birds made by different people. Stuffed, sewn or stitched - they are all pretty cute.

Another one that caught my eye is City Quilts by Cherie House.  In this book she primarily uses solid colored fabrics to create some pretty stunning quilts.  Some are very bold and some more subtle.  She has good instructions with real photos to demonstrate the steps.

I fell for this panel print at quilt market in May.  In each panel you get the fronts, backs and instructions to make 3 different rag dolls.  It would be an excellent project for  a young sewer to do and then just imagine the fun that could be had making clothes for them.

Another interesting thing I thought was great at market was knits.  Yep, I said knits!  I know you don't want to quilt with them (although there was a sample quilt made of knits and it was very soft and cuddly).  So, for those of you who have been asking about knits - take a look at these...  We are in the process of making a baby blanket with them.

Inspiring Book

There are some books that come into the shop that I just have to take home with me to luxuriate in. This one by Jane Brocket is one of them...

The author describes this book as one about inspiration:  where to find it and how to use it.  She says "it is for anyone who has ever wanted to make stunning, imaginative quilts with the minimum of fuss, no matter how basic your sewing skills or how limited you are by time and space.  Far more important are enthusiasm, beautiful fabrics and a good measure of inspiration - which as I make clear, is all around us."

Indeed she does show how each of her quilts was inspired.  A couple of my favorites are:

The inspiration...

The quilt...

The inspiration...

The quilt...

You get the idea, and there are 13 more quilts featured.  There is also a good technical summary of quilt making from start to finish.  This is one of those books you will want to take your time with.

New today to Piece by Piece is fun, fun and more fun fabric.  Who knew chairs could become the focal point for some great fabric.  This is Tufted Tweets by Kaufman.  More colors are on their way to keep these company.

 

Also a bunch of fun are the Lil Duckies from Kaufman.  The GREEN and YELLOW version should be in very soon.  GO DUCKS!

Oh Boy - the UPS truck just drove up.  Gotta go see...